ΛΥΧΝΟΣ A GREEK ORTHODOX PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. Volume 30, 60 Years Commemorative Issue OCTOBER 2015 NOVEMBER 2015

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1 ΛΥΧΝΟΣ «Λύχνος τοῖς ποσί μου ὁ νόμος σου καὶ φῶς ταῖς τρίβοις μου» Ψαλμ 118, 105 A GREEK ORTHODOX PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Volume 30, 60 Years Commemorative Issue OCTOBER 2015 NOVEMBER 2015 Η Χριστιανική Ένωση 60 Χρόνια Στο Έργο Του Χριστού και Της Εκκλησίας Πρὸς τὰ Μέλη τῆς Ἐπιτροπῆς Κατηχητικῶν Σχολείων τῆς Χριστιανικῆς Ἑνώσεως τῆς καθ ἡμᾶς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς- Ἀγαπητοὶ μου, Μὲ εὔλογον πατρικὴν ἱκανοποίησιν καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἐγκαύχησιν, σπεύδω διὰ τοῦ παρόντος Ποιμαντορικοῦ Μηνύματος νὰ χαιρετίσω τοὺς ἐπικειμένους Ἑορτασμοὺς ( ) ὁλοκλήρου 60ετίας, ἀφ ἧς ἡ ἐν Σύδνεϋ Ὀρθόδοξος Χριστιανική Ἕνωσις, ὑπὸ τὴν πεφωτισμένην πρωτοβουλίαν εὐλαβῶν ἐπιστημόνων, ὡς ὁ ἐκ Θεσσαλονίκης Καθηγητὴς Ἰατρὸς κ. Μιχαὴλ Ἀντωνιάδης (ἀπ ἀρχῆς Πρόεδρος τῆς Ἑνώσεως) καὶ ὁ ἐκ Κύπρου Ἀρχιτέκτων κ. Φειδίας Κυριακίδης, ἔπηξαν τὰς πρώτας ἑστίας Κατηχητικοῦ ἔργου, ὑπὸ τὴν ἐν Θεῷ εὐθύνην τοῦ τότε Ποιμενάρχου, Μητροπολίτου Αὐστραλίας καὶ Ν. Ζηλανδίας, κυροῦ Θεοφυλάκτου. Τὸν ἐν Κυρίῳ «ἀπολογισμὸν» τοῦ ἔκτοτε ἐπιτελεσθέντος Κατηχητικοῦ ἔργου, τὰς δυσχερείας, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰς αἰσιοδόξους προοπτικὰς παρὰ τὰς ραγδαίως μεταβαλλομένας περὶ τεκμηριωμένης σχετικῆς Ἀναφορᾶς τοῦ νῦν Προέδρου τῆς Χριστιανικῆς Ἑνώσεως, Ἰατροῦ κ. Ἰωάννου Ψαρομμάτη, εἰς τὸ πλαίσιον τῆς 11 ης Κληρικολαϊκῆς Συνελεύσεώς μας (2013). Θὰ ἦτο ἀσφαλῶς σοβαρὰ παράλειψις ἐὰν δὲν ἐμνημονεύαμεν έν εὐγνωμοσύνῃ, εἰς τὸ παρὸν Μήνημα, τὴν ἄοκνον καὶ συνεχῆ στήριξιν τοῦ Κατηχητικοῦ ἔργου ἐκ μέρους τοῦ Πανοσιολ. Ἀρχιμανδρίτου κ. Στεφάνου Παπαναστασίου, πρώτου Πρωτοσυγκέλλου τῆς ἡμετέρας ταπεινότητος καὶ νῦν Προηγουμένου τῆς Ἱερᾶς Μονῆς Παντανάσσης. Πρὸς πάντας τοὺς ὡς ἄνω Ἀδελφούς, ἀλλὰ καὶ τοὺς περὶ αὐτοὺς Κατηχητὰς καὶ Κατηχητρίας, οἱ ὁποῖοι πνεύματι Θείῳ ἐλαυνόμενοι, ἐπλαισίωσαν κατὰ καιροὺς τὰς τάξεις τῶν λοιπῶν Λειτουργῶν τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος τῆς Ἱερᾶς ἡμῶν Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς, ὥστε νὰ μὴ σβεσθῆ ὁ «Λύχνος» ἡμέρας καὶ νυκτός, ἰδιαίτατα διὰ τὰ νεαρὰ τέκνα τῆς ἐνταῦθα Ὁμογενείας, ἀπονέμομεν τὸν δίκαιον ἔπαινον τῆς Ἐκκλησίας καὶ τὴν προσωπικὴν ἡμῶν Εὐαρέσκειαν. Ὁ δὲ Θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης καὶ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν εὐχόμεθα νὰ ἀναπαύει ἐν χώρᾳ ζώντων τοὺς κατὰ τὴν διαρρεύσασαν 60ετίαν κεκοιμημένους Κατηχητάς, Κατηχητρίας και Κατηχηθέντας. Ἐν Σύδνεϋ τῇ 5ῃ Νοεμβρίου 2015 Μετὰ βαθείας ἐν Κυρίῳ πατρικῆς ἀγάπης Ο Αυστραλίας ΣΤΥΛΙΑΝΟΣ

2 2 Η Ορθόδοξη Χριστιανική Ένωση ριν 60 χρόνια έκανε δειλά την εμφάνισή της Π στην Ελληνική παροικία του Sydney η Χριστιανική Ένωσις Ελλήνων Νέων. Αρχικά μιά παρουσία ανεπαίσθητη, δύο φοιτητές, μα με ένα συγκεκριμένο πνευματικό οραματισμό. Τη διάδοση του Λόγου του Θεού στους 'Ελληνες Ορθοδόξους αδελφούς μας. Κοντά σ' αυτούς σιγά σιγά προσετέθηκαν και άλλοι νέοι. Όλοι με «μιά ψυχή, έναν παλμό και μιά καρδιά». Η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αυστραλίας επευλογεί. Ο πανάγαθος Θεός καθοδηγεί και επαυξάνει. Εξήντα Χρόνια εφέτος, Ορθόδοξη Χριστιανική Ένωση (ΟΧΕ). Μιά αδιάκοπη χριστιανική μαρτυρία. Το «δεξί χέρι» της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής μας κατά την ομολογία του νυν Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου μας κ. Στυλιανού, που τα τελευταία 40 χρόνια, διαποιμαίνει εν Κυρίω την Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία της Αυστραλίας και στηρίζει το έργο της Ενώσεώς μας. Πόσα θαυμάσια δεν είδαμε να υλοποιούνται σ' αυτές τις 6 δεκαετίες! Κέντρο Ορθοδόξου Ιεραποστολής Χριστιανικό Βιβλιοπωλείο Κατηχητικά Σχολεία Χριστιανικές Νεανικές Ομάδες Κατασκηνώσεις Ραδιοφωνικά Προγράμματα Ιεραποστολικές εξορμήσεις εντός και εκτός Αυστραλίας Το ότι ενός σεβαστός αριθμός μοναχών και ιερέων στην Αυστραλία και στην Ελλάδα ξεκίνησαν μέσα από τους κόλπους της ΟΧΕ είναι επιπρόσθετη σφραγίδα του έργου του Αγίου Πνεύματος ανάμεσά μας. Κοντά σ'αυτά θυμόμαστε και δύσκολες στιγμές για την Εκκλησία μας όταν η ΟΧΕ κλήθηκε να δηλώσει «παρούσα» σε αγώνες ιερούς εναντίον ανθρώπων - «λύκοι βαρεῖς ς εἰς ε ὑμᾶς, μὴ μ φειδόμενοι τοῦ ποιμνίου» (Πραξ. Κ' 29) και στήριξε την Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή μας. Πέρα όμως και πάνω από τα όποια ιστορικά επιτεύγματα στη ζωή της ΟΧΕ, οι εμπειρίες που σαν μέλη της ζήσαμε τα περασμένα 60 χρόνια, είναι σίγουρα μοναδικές και ανεπανάληπτες. Κατά πρώτο λόγο, οι εμπειρίες αυτές είναι απόκτημα των όσων αγωνίζονται πνευματικά. Ένας αγώνας που Μέλη της Χριστιανικής Ενώσεως κατά το εμπνέει τη βίωση του αγιογραφικού λόγου, κατά δύναμιν, με τη βοήθεια της Χάρης του Θεού. «Εἰ ζῶμεν πνεύματι, πνεύματι καὶ στοιχῶμεν» (Γαλ. Ε' 25). Ζώντας σ' έναν κόσμο υλόφρονα και αποπνευματισμένο, μάθαμε πολύ νωρίς πως γύρω μας υπάρχει πολλή ψευτιά και απιστία. Και μεις πρέπει να καταθέτουμε την αλήθεια. «Ἐγώ εἰμι ε ἡ Ἀλήθεια» (Ιωαν. Ι ' 6) και αυτή την αλήθεια πρέπει όλοι μας σαν μέλη της ΟΧΕ, να τη ζούμε και να τη προβάλλουμε σε όλες τις φάσεις της ιεραποστολής μας. Έτσι μάθαμε πως όποιος πολεμά για την αλήθεια του Χριστού, αυτός βγαίνει πάντα νικητής. Εξήντα χρόνια μιά ζωή, και οι αναμνήσεις κυλούν ατέλειωτες, χείμαρρος σωστός από βιώματα ιερά και εμπειρίες αξέχαστες. Καθώς περπατούμε στο χρόνο, όλοι αδέλφια εν Χριστώ, είτε όσοι ξεκίνησαν πριν 60 χρόνια, είτε μόλις πριν ένα χρόνο, δεν έχει σημασία. Σημασία έχει πώς δενόμαστε με δεσμούς ακατάλυτους στο χρόνο, που δεν θα σβήσουν ποτέ. Οι παλαιότεροι μαζί με τους νεότερους. Τα μέλη όλων των κύκλων, οικογενειάρχες, γονείς, παππούδες και νέοι. Ο ένας στηρίζει τον άλλο. Όλοι χαιρόμαστε στη χαρά του καθενός, συμμετέχουμε στις λύπες των άλλων και βρίσκουμε παρηγοριά στην αδελφική συμπαράσταση. ιότι ο Κύριος «ἐν μέσῳ» ημών. Με του Χριστού την παρουσία ανάμεσά μας και τις ευλογίες της Εκκλησίας μας, ας ευχηθούμε η νέα 60ετία να είναι εξ ίσου πνευματικά εποικοδομητική και σωστική για τα μέλη και για όλους τους Ορθοδόξους αδελφούς μας.

3 3 The Greek Orthodox Christian Society t was sixty years ago that the I Christian Society of Greek Youth timidly appeared amongst the Greek Community of Sydney. Initially, it was an imperceptible presence, two students with one specific spiritual vision. The dissemination of the Word of God to our Greek Orthodox brothers and sisters. Slowly, slowly, other young men joined them. All with, one soul, one pulse and one heart. The Archdiocese of Australia gives its blessing. The All-Good God guides and adds to the effort. Sixty years this year of the Orthodox Christian Society. An unbroken Christian witness. The right hand of our Holy Archdiocese, according our current Archbishop Stylianos, who for the last 40 years, leads the Orthodox Church of Australia and supports the work of our Society. Who can recount how many miracles have materialised in those six decades! An Orthodox Missionary Centre An Orthodox Christian Bookstore Sunday Schools Christian Youth Groups Youth Camps Radio Programmes Missionary visits in Australia and overseas. That a respectable amount of monastics and clergy in Australia and Greece came from the Orthodox Christian Society is an additional seal of the work of the Holy Spirit amongst us. Together with these achievements we remember the difficult times in our Church when the Society was called Members of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society, In the front row, third from right and third from left are the founding members of the Society, Dr Michael Anthony and Mr Phidias Kyriakides. The men of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society at their most recent annual Camp, February to publicly stand against people acting as savage wolves. not sparing the flock (Acts 20:29) in support of our Archdiocese. Above and beyond these historical achievements in the life of the Orthodox Christian Society, the experiences which we as its members have lived through these past 60 years have surely been unique and exceptional. These experiences are primarily acquired by those who struggle spiritually. A struggle inspired by the word of God, within each one's strength, with the help of the Grace of God. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Gal. 5:25) Whilst living in a materialistic and despiritualised world, we learned early on that we are surrounded by much falsehood and disbelief. And that we need to testify to the Truth. I am the way, the truth,, and the life. (John. 14:6). That as members of the Orthodox Christian Society, we need to live by this truth and exhibit it in all aspects of our missionary work. This is how we learned that whoever battles for the Truth of Christ, will always be victorious. Sixty years, one lifetime and the memories stream forth unceasingly, a true torrent of holy and unforgettable experiences. As we walk through the years, all of us brothers in Christ, those who started 60 years ago, or only one year ago, it makes no difference. What counts is that we are bound by indissoluble bonds, which will never be extinguished. The more senior of us together with those who are younger. The members of all the groups, family men, parents, grandfathers and young men. One supporting the other. All being joyful in the happiness of the one, sharing in each other s grief, finding comfort in brotherly support. This is because Christ is in our midst. With Christ s presence amongst us together with the blessings of our Church, let us wish that the next 60 years are as spiritually edifying for our members and for all our Orthodox brothers and sisters.

4 4 The Greek Orthodox Christian Society 60 Years Mission Work by Professor Michael Anthony, Society President 50 years he Greek Orthodox Christian Society was T established in February 1955, by two University students, soon to be joined by a remarkable young man - now known to all, as Father Stephanos. The Society was formed for the purpose to: 1. Cultivate an earnest Orthodox Christian life among its members - the so-called Inner Spiritual Transformation. 2. Further the work of the Orthodox Church in Australia 3. Train Christian workers for the spreading of the Christian Gospel, and 4. Promote knowledge of the Greek Orthodox Faith in the wider Australian Community. The reason for the establishment of the Society was to help the Greek people already here since before WW2, and also those arriving post-war from the motherland. The help would have been Spiritual, both Religious as well as Social. At that time there were no Welfare Services, and the organization known as the Greek Orthodox Community, consisted of an Office with a Secretary, providing only advisory service. We felt, that as young, committed Christians we could help the Church and the people in some way - seeing the difficulties they were facing. Social isolation - ghetto mentality, slow erosion of both Ethnic and Religious identities - in an environment, with very different Social structure. We felt that the Spiritual Life of our members was important, and that missionary work among our people was also quite important. This work consisted of: 1. Establishing Sunday Schools - for both young and older children (68 Sunday Schools in 2015) 2. Importing and selling Christian books outside the Churches on Sundays 3. Visiting the sick Greek people in Hospitals 4. Helping those who needed help with the English language, but also to help those with personal problems. 5. Financial help to those who needed it - from moneys collected among ourselves. The religious and spiritual improvement of our fellow Orthodox brethren needed people who themselves lived a truly Christian life, so they could be role models for the rest of the Community. Concert celebrating 30 years of Greek Orthodox Sunday Schools at Sydney Town Hall in This meant the inner spiritual transformation of ourselves, had to be accompanied by acts of piety and love, so we could grow in the spirit and develop the faith that is both strong and saving. Otherwise - "Faith without works is dead", according to the Apostle Iakovos (Jam. 2:20). To grow both in spirit and in faith, and to continually improve our knowledge of the Bible, the Church Fathers, the Saints and the Church itself - we meet weekly. Such weekly meetings have continued over the 60 years of the existence of the Society - without interruption. But Jesus, on His Ascension, left us with another Commandment: "Go and make disciples of all Nations". The early Church took this seriously, as seriously as the Holy Eucharist. For our generation of Christians, this remains the Neglected Commandment. And yet, it is the other phase of the Basic Christian Message. In current language this is called Mission or Missionary Work. It is the Policy of the Society that members, contribute as much as possible, to Missionary Work. As you know there is a book by a South African Englishman - Bryce Courtney - The Power of One". The book is fascinating and the success of the hero admirable. Today we witness what "The Power of the "Few" can do, if fired by the Power of the Faith. I conclude in the same manner as I started. All people of the Church, should rise up and do something for our Church and our God - and this should be Missionary work, calling people to undertake the - the Inner Spiritual Transformation. The Church is only too willing to help anyone to achieve this. This implies that: The whole Church should be placed on a Missionary footing.

5 5 Sunday School children and their teachers, Church of the Holy Trinity, Surry Hills, At left, third row from back, is Mr Stamatis Papanastasiou, now Fr Stephanos Pantanassiotis. Also on the left are Miss Anna Tsilivi, Mr Antonis Nicolakopoulos, Mr Kostas Economou, and Mr Stamatis Georgiou His Eminence, Archbishop Stylianos, with the young men of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society during their Camp at the Monastery of St George, Springwood, circa Concert celebrating 30 years of Orthodox Youth Fellowships (Omathes) at the Hall of Earlwood Public School, Orthodox Christian Book Store at Enmore, meeting place for the Greek Orthodox Christian Society from 1976 to Orthodox Christian book exhibit at the hall of the Church of the Transfiguration of our Lord, Earlwood, circa, 1988.

6 6 Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανική Ένωση Ιεραποστολή 60 Χρόνων Η ψυχολογία του νέου ανθρώπου χαρακτηρίζεται από ιδανικά, ενθουσιασμό και δραστηριότητα. ια τούτο δεν ήταν καθόλου παράξενο ή πρωτοφανές, ότι στην δεκαετία του '50, μερικοί χριστιανοί νέοι με τα παραπάνω γνωρίσματα, απεφάσισαν να κάνουν κάτι για την πνευματική βοήθεια των Ομογενών στο Σύδνευ. Είδαν ότι οι θρησκευτικές γνώσεις και η πνευματική ζωή των Ελλήνων μεταναστών, ήταν πολύ περιορισμένες, και ότι η προσήλωση στα πάτρια και θρησκευτικά έθιμα, ήταν τα μόνα στοιχεία που τους προστάτευαν από την αφομοίωση, ζώντας σε ένα περιβάλλον αδιάφορο από θρησκευτικής και πνευματικής πλευράς. Με την σύμφωνο γνώμη και την ευλογία του τότε Μητροπολίτη (λεπτομέρειες στο περιοδικό μας «Λύχνος», τόμος 20, Οκτώβριος 2005), ιδρύεται τον Φεβρουάριο 1955 η Χριστιανική Ένωσις Ελλήνων Νέων, (τώρα δε γνωστή ως Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανική Ένωσις). Το όλο θέμα ιδρύσεως ενός Χριστιανικού οργανισμού είναι ένα σοβαρό διάβημα. ιότι μια αποτυχία θα είχε αντίκτυπο στην ίδια την Εκκλησία που το υποστήριξε, στα χριστιανικά ιδεώδη που αντιπροσώπευε, και ευθύνη απέναντι του Θεού που ήθελε να υπηρετήσει. Μετά περίσκεψη και προσευχή, αποφασίστηκε το έργο της θα ήταν: 1. Η καλλιέργεια της εν Χριστώ ζωής μεταξύ των μελών της, και των οποίων η χριστιανική ταυτότητα θα εγγυάτο την ειλικρίνεια των προθέσεων των. Αυτό θα γινόταν με εβδομαδιαίες συγκεντρώσεις των μελών, μελέτη, προσευχή, συμμετοχή στα μυστήρια της Εκκλησίας, και έργα αγάπης και ελεημοσύνης, που βοηθούν στην εμπειρική κατανόηση της Πίστης μας Ιεραποστολική εργασία μεταξύ των θρησκευόμενων Ομογενών μας, για να αποκτήσουν έτσι επίγνωση της Ορθόδοξης Πίστης τους. Όσον αφορά την εκτέλεση Ιεραποστολικών έργων, το πεδίον δράσεως, ήταν και είναι απέραντο. Εισαγωγή χριστιανικών βιβλίων από την Ελλάδα / Κατηχητικά Σχολεία στις Ενορίες / Επίσκεψη αρρώστων στα Νοσοκομεία / Βοήθεια στο θέμα της γλώσσας σε όσους το χρειαζόταν - και ότι άλλο έφερνε ο Θεός στο δρόμο μας. Με την πάροδο του χρόνου ο όγκος των δραστηριοτήτων μας έχει αυξηθεί σημαντικά, αλλά ο Κύριος συνεχώς στέλνει και νέους και νέες, που και αυτοί ποθούν την ζωή της αγνότητος και ευσεβείας, διότι αναπαύει την ψυχή και ειρηνεύει την συνείδηση. Εάν μερικοί ρωτήσουν γιατί κάνετε το έργο αυτό, η απάντηση είναι: 1. Για την δική μας Πνευματική Επιβίωση - διότι η εφαρμογή της διδασκαλίας του Χριστού, η μετάληψη των Αχράντων Μυστηρίων, και γενικώς η ζωή της Εκκλησίας, μας απεκάλυψαν τον σκοπό της ζωής μας, και 2. Υπακούομε στην εντολή του Χριστού που είπε για όλους τους χριστιανούς, «Πορευθέντες μαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ Ἔθνη» (Ματ. 28' 19), δηλαδή, πηγαίνετε και διδάξετε όλους στους ανθρώπους τα λόγια μου και την διδασκαλία μου. Αυτό είναι το θέλημα Του. Άλλωστε, το λέγομε κάθε μέρα στην προσευχή μας - «Γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά Σου, ὡς ἐν Οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς»! Η εντολή του Χριστού, να κηρυχθεί το Ευαγγέλιο σε όλο τον κόσμο, είναι η παραμελημένη εντολή!! 1. Οι περισσότεροι που την γνωρίζουν, αδιαφορούν γι' αυτήν. 2. Οι υπόλοιποι ούτε καν την έχουν ακούσει, οπότε την αγνοούν εντελώς. Και όμως, η εντολή αυτή είναι ίση σε βαρύτητα με την εσωτερική μας καλλιέργεια! Είναι η άλλη όψη του Χριστιανικού μηνύματος, που είναι η σωτηρία του ανθρώπου. Έτσι, από τα πρώτα βήματα της συστάσεως της, η Ένωση έθεσε σαν Σκοπό και Ιδανικό της - την Ιεραποστολή. Το Ευαγγελικό μήνυμα πρέπει να παρουσιάζεται στην κοινωνία με λόγια και με έργα. Γι' αυτό και η εξωτερική δραστηριότητα από όλα τα μέλη, αλλά και ολόκληρο το έργο της Ενώσεως, αποβλέπει προς αυτόν τον σκοπό. Όλοι οι Ομογενείς που ανήκουν στην Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία, πρέπει να γνωρίσουν το μήνυμα της Σωτηρίας που προσφέρει ο Χριστός, και να πάψουν να καταγίνονται με μια επιφανειακή θρησκευτικότητα - τηρώντας μόνο τα εξωτερικά-θρησκευτικά τους καθήκοντα. Ο Χριστός ζητά την εσωτερική μας Μεταμόρφωση, και όχι μόνο την εξωτερική μας συμμόρφωση με τις εντολές του. Ο καιρός του ήσυχου χριστιανισμού ανήκει πια στο παρελθόν. Η Εκκλησία καλεί όλους που έχουν γνωρίσει τον Χριστό σε μια Εκστρατεία Ιεραποστολής, με το λόγο και το παράδειγμα της ζωής μας, να εργασθούμε για να απαλλάξουμε τους Ορθόδοξους αδελφούς μας, από την άγνοια και την αδιαφορία, για να σωθούν!

7 Ο Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανικός Κύκλος Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανικός Κύκλος Κυριών και Δεσποινίδων Σύδνεϋ, είναι αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της Χριστιανικής Ενώσεως, και ιδρύθηκε το 1958, μόνο τρία χρόνια μετά την Χριστιανική Ένωση, με την προτροπή του τότε προέδρου της, Καθηγητή, κυρίου Αντωνιάδη και τη βοήθεια της Κυκλάρχισσας δεσποινίδος Άννας Τσιλιβή. Αρχικά τα λιγοστά μέλη του Κύκλου συγκεντρώνονταν στο φιλόξενο σπίτι της κυρίας Βέτας Γεωργυλά στο Surry Hills. Κυρίες και δεσποινίδες του Χριστιανικού Κύκλου, κατά το έτος Αργότερα συγκεντρώνονταν στο St. Michael s Church στο Albion St Στην πίσο σειρά δεξιά, Darlinghurst, μετά στην αίθουσα της διακρίνονται η δης. Άννα Τσιλιβή και κ. Βέτα Γεωργυλά Αρχιεπισκοπής στο Cleveland St στο Redfern, από εκεί στο βιβλιοπωλείο της Χριστιανικής Ενώσεως στο Newtown, και από το 2010, ο Κύκλος στεγάζεται στο Κτήριο της Ενώσεως στο Kingsgrove. Ο μεγάλος αριθμός του Κύκλου, η διαφορά της ηλικίας μεταξύ των μελών, και οι μακρινές αποστάσεις, δημιούργησαν την ανάγκη να χωριστεί ο Κύκλος, ανάλογα με την ηλικία, σε 1 ο, 2 ο, 3 ο κύκλο, και Κύκλο Parramatta. Πρώτη αρχηγός του Κύκλου υπήρξε η δεσποινίς Άννα Τσιλιβή, κατόπιν η αείμνηστη κυρία Ιουλίττα Αντωνιάδη. Και μετά την ασθένεια της κυρίας Ιουλίττας, ανέλαβε την αρχηγία του Κύκλου η κυρία Βιβή Γεωργίου. Η Έκδοση CD Εκεί στη αίθουσα της Αρχιεπισκοπής, είχαμε την αγγλικά. ιδιαίτερη ευλογία, να έχουμε μαζί μας κάθε Σάββατο, το σεβαστό μας πνευματικό, Πατέρα Στέφανο. Θα ήταν μεγάλη παράλειψη αν δεν αναφέραμε την ακούραστη πνευματική και πρακτική συμβολή και βοήθεια του πνευματικού μας πατέρα και καθοδηγητή όλων μας. Πόσα! του χρωστάμε όλες μας! Οι αδελφικές συναντήσεις μας, κάθε Σάββατο απόγευμα, είναι ένα δώρο Θεού προς όλες μας. Μας μεταφέρουν σε έναν άλλο κόσμο. Στον κόσμο του πνεύματος και της Θείας παρουσίας, που τείνουμε να ξεχάσουμε στην διάρκεια της εβδομάδας, βουτηγμένες στην ρουτίνα και τα προβλήματα της καθημερινότητας. Εδώ αναπαύεται η ψυχή, γαληνεύει ο νους μας, και 60 χρόνια Ιεραποστολική ράση Όλα για τη δόξα του Χριστού 7 γεμίζει με τη χαρά, της εν Χριστώ ζωής και της αδελφικής αγάπης. Ο Χριστιανικός Κύκλος εργάζεται ήσυχα και αθόρυβα κοντά 60 χρόνια, με μοναδικό όπλο το Λόγο του Θεού. Την Αγία γραφή. Προσπαθεί να μεταλαμπαδεύει σε εκατοντάδες Ψυχές την Αλήθεια του Χριστού. 60 Χρόνια κοντά, παρουσίας Χριστού, στην Εκκλησία, στην Οικογένεια, στην Κοινωνία. Ο Κύκλος συμμετέχει σε όλες σχεδόν τις εκδηλώσεις και τις δραστηριότητες της Χριστιανικής Ενώσεως. Η Ιστορία της Χριστιανικής Ενώσεως είναι και Ιστορία του Χριστιανικού Κύκλου. Μια Ιστορία πλούσια σε Ιεραποστολική δράση και κοινωνική προσφορά, «Όλα για τη δόξα του Χριστού». Κατηχητικά σχολεία, ομάδες κοριτσιών. Συμμετοχή σε κατανυκτικές Θείες Λειτουργίες. Συμμετοχή σε φιλόπτωχους των Εκκλησιών. Προσκυνήματα στα Μοναστήρια μας, εξορμήσεις, Ραδιοφωνικό πρόγραμμα, διάφορες Εκδηλώσεις Αγάπης και Φιλανθρωπίας. Επισκέψεις σε Νοσοκομεία, Κατασκηνώσεις, Συμμετοχή στα Κάλαντα της Αρχιεπισκοπής. Βοήθεια στη λειτουργία του Βιβλιοπωλείου. Η συγγραφή του βιβλίου «Μνήμες Κατοχής στη Αυστραλία». ιαλέξεις, Θέατρα γεμάτα Μηνύματα. Εθελοντική εργασία σε διάφορα Ιδρύματα. CD με την Παράκληση της Παναγίας στα Ζηλευτές Χαρούμενες Χριστιανικές οικογένειες που προσπαθούν με ζήλο και ενθουσιασμό να εκπαιδεύσουν τα παιδιά τους «ἐν «παιδείᾳ καὶ νουθεσίᾳ Κυρίου». Όλα αυτά και ακόμα περισσότερα έγιναν στα χρόνια που πέρασαν. Ο Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανικός Κύκλος Ελληνίδων, είναι ένα ζωντανό Κύτταρο, πνευματικής ακτινοβολίας στο ευρύτερο οικογενειακό και κοινωνικό περιβάλλον. Στον Κύκλο τον Χριστιανικό, ψυχές βρήκαμε αγιασμένες, Περίσσια αγάπη, κατανόηση, καρδιές αδελφωμένες. Εκεί στον Κύκλο μοιραζόμαστε, λύπες χαρές και πόνο. Μακάρι όλες οι ψυχές να βρίσκουν τέτοιο δρόμο!

8 8 The Work of Sunday Schools Let the children come to Me, so not to hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. (Mark 10:14-15). ne of the most important ministries of the Church O since Apostolic times has been to see to the spiritual education (κατήχησις-catechism) of its members and especially the children. The greatest gift, the most precious inheritance we can give to our children is our Orthodox Christian Faith. Jesus makes it clear that He wants children to come to know Him, and that He considers it a grave offence for an adult to hinder this process. For the past 60 years, Sunday Schools in Sydney and Wollongong have been organised by the Greek Orthodox Christian Society, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. Sunday School is vital in developing a child s knowledge and love for God. Lessons are held at every Greek Orthodox parish across Sydney. They offer a friendly and supportive environment in which children can begin to understand the Church and the eternal truths concerning God. This year, 2015, has been a landmark year for Greek Orthodox Sunday Schools in Sydney and surrounds. Today there are 22 parishes with approximately 75 Sunday School classes for children aged We currently have 110 Sunday School teachers and assistants who have a total of 500 students attending class on Sunday mornings, with the most common class time being immediately after Holy Communion. These statistics show that Orthodoxy is alive among our children and youth who attend the Greek Orthodox churches of Sydney. Over the past 60 years, we have witnessed much progress and many changes for the more effective delivery of lessons through the use of modern day technology and improved educational techniques for both teachers and students. Consequently: Our Sunday School classes are conducted mostly in English. The lessons are shorter, but more effective. Students have the opportunity to follow the Divine Liturgy together with their teachers. Lessons are distributed to teachers through our website or by . We provide informative seminars for all our teachers. A Working with Children Check is now a prerequisite for all teachers. This year we have marked 12 years of Sunday School Camps for children aged Moreover, our annual tradition of Sunday School picnics at Centennial Park with the presence of our Archbishop remains one of the highlights of the year. In addition, Sunday School teachers and students support missionary and charity drives and are involved actively in the life of their parish. All these activities culminated in our long awaited showcase, the 60 Year Sunday School Concert at Sydney Town Hall, held on 22 November, How relevant are Sunday Schools in today s world? They are absolutely necessary and crucial in assisting parents raise their children in a safe, friendly and Christian environment. For children attending the Infants classes (νήπια), Sunday School teachers instil the basic Truths of our Orthodox Faith, teaching stories from the Bible and the lives of Saints. This understanding of our Faith deepens as children attend the Primary classes (Κατώτερα Κατηχητικά). They learn about the Sacraments of our Church, living the Orthodox Faith through Fasting and Confession, and come to know the Fathers of the Church and our Holy Tradition. In the High School classes (Μέσα Κατηχητικά), the youth are taught how to face the challenges of life, while strengthening their faith and bringing them closer to Christ and the Church. Sunday School is the timeless voice of the Church, calling out to Her children to live the genuine and fulfilling life that Christ offers to all. Hence, it will always remain a sacred challenge to all those who work in it. The way of life of the early Christians, as described in the Acts of the Apostles, can be summarised in the phrase: they devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42). This way of life is the primary focus of all Sunday Schools in Sydney. When we bring our children regularly to Sunday School, we provide them not only with the gift of knowledge that has lifelong value and significance, but more importantly, they begin a personal relationship with Christ that will guide them through the rest of their lives.

9 9 Concert celebrating 40 years of Sunday Schools held at Marrickville Town Hall in 1996, in the presence of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. During the Divine Liturgy Service at Sunday School Camp. The Sunday School classes of All Saints, Belmore, at their picnic circa His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos and His Grace Bishop Iakovos with Sunday School children at the 2014 Sunday School picnic. During a lesson at Sunday School Camp The Infants Sunday School children compete at their annual picnic races!

10 10 Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανικός Κύκλος 60 χρόνια Ιεραποστολική ράση Όλα για τη δόξα του Χριστού he Greek Orthodox Women s Group (Kyklo) is a T branch of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society (Enosi). The group was established in 1958, three years after Enosi, by the then president of Enosi, Professor Michael Anthony, and the leader of Kyklo, Miss Anna Tsilivis. At that time, the small group met at the home of Mrs Vetta Georgilas in Surry Hills. As the group grew, it moved to St Michael's Church in Albion St Darlinghurst, then a little later to the hall of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Cleveland St Redfern, from where it operated for many years. When Enosi purchased a building in Newtown, the group moved there, and then in 2010 they relocated to the newly-bought building in Kingsgrove. Over the years, women gathered from all parts of Sydney to study the word of God. As the number and diversity of women grew, the numbers of groups increased to accommodate the demographics: groups for older, middle aged and young ladies formed as did a group in Parramatta. Miss Anna Tsilivis was the pioneering leader of the Orthodox Christian Kyklo, having had experience leading such groups in post-war Greece, followed by Mrs Julie Anthony, who also led groups of women in Thessaloniki. For the past 20 or so years, Kyklo has been led by Mrs Vivi George. For many years the meetings were held with the blessed presence of Abbot Stephanos Pantanassiotis, from whose spiritual counsel the members benefited. Abbot Stephanos' tireless energy and spiritual guidance enabled the growth of this small Orthodox Christian community, and provided the basis for much missionary work over the years. It should also be mentioned that during this time, Kyklo was blessed to receive a visit from the holy Saint Paisios an unforgettable experience! The weekly Saturday afternoon meetings enable a blessed fellowship of like-minded souls. The meetings offer spiritual nourishment, which revitalize those who attend, encouraging all to follow the spiritual path through life s difficulties. The talks enable the mind to become calm and the soul to absorb the word of God. Apart from the deep friendships forged between the members of Kyklo for 60 years, these members have worked tirelessly to live and spread the word of God to their families, in the Church, and in the community. Kyklo is actively involved in the activities of Enosi. The history of Enosi is also the history of Kyklo: a history rich with missionary zeal and work all for the glory of God. Teaching Sunday Schools and Scripture, conducting From the 2002 book launch Remembering Greece s Occupation, a collection of stories of WWII written by members of the Greek Orthodox Women s Group. Young women of the Greek Orthodox Women s Group at their Camp, circa Youth Fellowships, active participation in the Liturgical cycle of the Church, involvement in Church Committees, pilgrimages to, and active support for, the Monasteries, involvement in the Orthodox Radio Program and Orthodox Bookshop, visits to hospitals and nursing homes, spiritual retreats, and visits to other towns in Australia to support the local churches. Apart from the above activities, Kyklo has enabled the creativity of its members to be expressed through major play productions, Long Live Messolonghi and Faviola; publication of an oral history of women's stories during WWII, Remembering Greece s Occupation; as well as the production of a CD of the Paraklisi to the Theotokos in English - all of which have strong spiritual messages. The work of Kyklo is to support the Church to bring Christ to the people. In a society that is progressively becoming secular, this missionary work is increasingly vital. The beauty of Kyklo is that women of all ages, in fellowship, are able to work together to spread the word of God to their families, to the Church, and to the community. May the Grace of God allow this work to continue.

11 11 60 Years of Christian Book Sales S ixty years ago, the sale of Christian books began outside the two churches that existed then - one in Paddington (St. Sophia) and the other in Surry Hills (Holy Trinity). Since then the effort branched out in many different forms, so that over the subsequent six decades, books are now available outside all churches after the Members of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society, circa 1970, selling Orthodox Christian books. Liturgy on Sundays, in addition to an Orthodox Bookstore, initially work. They will also be repaid as those above. in Enmore (1976) and now in Kingsgrove (2010). The effort was started by the few young Christians as a duty towards God and our Orthodox flock, who existed without religious/spiritual books to help them know their Faith, and live according to it. Selling Orthodox books to the public began as an initial step from a stall in front of the Newtown Railway station by a member of our Society (Greek Orthodox Christian Society), which lasted about two years, but had to cease because the owner of the stall terminated the lease. The sale of books outside the Churches on Sundays is carried out by the Sunday School teachers and other devout people, whilst the Bookstore, both in Enmore and lately in Kingsgrove, is manned by volunteers both from members of the Society and those from the Greek Orthodox Women s Group. The contribution of all involved in the dissemination of books is invaluable, as time and dedication to this form of missionary work cannot be assessed by human means. All these people will be repaid, not by us, but by the Almighty God, in due course. However, it must be realised that such an enormous effort would have been impossible, without those who organise the selecting, ordering, checking, pricing, and deal with the financial and publicising aspects of the The new Bookstore will be opened and Blessed officially by His Grace, Bishop Seraphim, on November 28, 2015, hopefully in the presence of many people who recognise the value of the Orthodox Faith. Its new name will be "Orthodox Mission Bookstore", and will also operate online sales, to enable Orthodox Christians from around Australia and internationally, to access the wonderful books of the spiritual world. Our Ancestors were devoted to the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge, and left to the world an inheritance unequalled and unique, regarding the meaning of life, the value of study, the power of the mind, and certainly the power of one's will. Membranes, manuscripts and books were studied with special care and revered as the source of both knowledge and happiness. It was they who idealised the study of books, and had coined the motto - "The spring of wisdom flows through books", «Ἡ σοφίας πηγὴ διὰ βιβλίων ρέει». Since God revealed Himself to us in His Son, Jesus Christ, all knowledge has been surpassed by His words, as He offers to us not only the wisdom of life, but also Life Eternal in His Kingdom. This is the mission we have been trying to serve, and wish to continue to serve with the new venture that God has given us, in this new Bookstore.

12 12 60 Years of Christian Book Sales (cont.) The former Orthodox Bookstore at Enmore, which operated from The interior of the new, as yet empty, Orthodox Bookstore at 217 Bexley Rd, Kingsgrove. The launch of this Bookstore will take place on the 28 th November, 2015.

13 13 Orthodox Youth Fellowships (Omathes/Οµάδες) he Orthodox Youth Fellowships T (Omathes), which are run separately for both girls and boys at several parishes around Sydney, are for Greek Orthodox teenagers (ages 13 to 18) who want to grow in their relationship with God and build on their faith. They meet weekly on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon for a couple of hours, playing indoor and outdoor games, singing, hearing and participating in lessons on many aspects of our Faith. Lessons can cover a multitude of topics from lives of Saints, Feasts of the Church, the life of Christ, Bible studies, and how to live a virtuous life. During the year, various activities organised by the Omathes include enjoyable outings such as bushwalks, sporting days, mini-olympics and games nights. The Omathes, which have a missionary focus, are also encouraged to support various fundraising events held throughout the year by performing songs, assisting with serving food and drinks, and selling raffle tickets. The Boys and Girls at Omatha are challenged to develop spiritually by going beyond their comfort zones to visit sick people in hospitals, nursing homes and homes of the elderly. On a yearly basis, Christmas carols are organised which bring great happiness to many homes. The Omathes also participate in three-day retreats separately in the middle of the year, so as to develop a strong unity with each other and with great zeal and warmth give glory to God. The annual highlight is the yearly retreat held in January. This is where the teenagers have an opportunity to truly live a life in Christ for a week all together, bonding closer to God and to each other. Below are some quotes from different teenagers who currently attend Omathes: Omatha is a spiritually rewarding experience. You learn so much about your Faith and you partake in spiritual and enjoyable activities. In the space of a few hours you learn so much and you have an enjoyable time. You also meet amazing Omatha teachers and friends that will remain with you forever. You grow together and share so many experiences. Omatha is one of the best things in my life! We get so much out of it and it fills me with so much joy. It is so important as it builds and strengthens our relationship with the other girls and God. We are able to grow spiritually and it is a constant in our lives that helps us to enter each new week with hope and confidence. I wish everyone could come to Omatha so that they could all experience the most wonderful joy that Omatha brings! Omatha is a place where I feel like I can be myself, and belong. As the perspective of someone new, I was overwhelmed by the generosity and friendliness of the girls. Omatha is such a good opportunity to learn about our religion and how to be faithful while establishing beautiful friendships. Going to Omatha has deepened my knowledge of my religion and has given me an opportunity to find myself. Omatha is where your true friends are and where you learn more about the Faith. Being at Omatha is like being with a big group of brothers. You feel close to everyone there, even when you re new, because you re amongst people with the same values and beliefs. The lessons and advice you get are so helpful and relevant and we all help each other to grow spiritually. Omatha is a place where we can gain knowledge about our Faith and spend time with other Orthodox Christians. Omatha is very special because it shows us how to live with God at the center of our lives. To me Omatha is where a group of Christian girls come to bond with each other and learn about Christ. Omatha is the highlight of every Friday for me. The bonding of all the girls lifts my spirits and provides me with a happy and joyful start to the evening. As well as this, Omatha increases my knowledge of God and what it means to be a Christian. Omatha for me is a special blessing.

14 14 Orthodox Youth Fellowships (Omathes/Οµάδες) (cont.) His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with the Boys Omathes and their Teachers during his visit to Sydney in 1996.

15 15 lessed are those who B hear the word of God, says the Lord (Lk 11:28). Exposing our family and ourselves to the spoken word of God can be very helpful to our spiritual development. Listening to the radio is sometimes the only opportunity for some people to hear the word of God. The reasons could be varied. They may not be able to attend the Liturgy because they are no longer mobile. They may not be able to or even like to read. A radio program can be listened to by one or two people, or it could be in the background so that the whole family can listen as well. Other Mission Activities... The Greek Orthodox Christian Society, recognising the need for the word of God to be promoted as much as possible has, with the blessing of our Archdiocese, for many years prepared and aired the weekly radio program The Voice of Orthodoxy. It can be heard on four radio stations in Sydney. Segments are in Greek and English, and include readings from the Bible, lives of Saints and Hymns of the Church. These segments are combined in such a way as to transport the listeners away from their current day-to-day issues and problems to another world Recording the weekly Voice of Orthodoxy Radio Program. Members of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society with parishioners of the Church of St Nectarios, Perth, during a recent visit in July, of spiritual opportunity. Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there as well says the Lord (Mt 18:20). We are blessed to have Orthodox Christians throughout Australia. With the blessing of our Archdiocese, the Greek Orthodox Christian Society conducts visits to cities and towns throughout Australia. During those visits, in order to promote the word of God, we make presentations and speeches, perform plays, songs and chants, as well as have book exhibitions. We interact with the Orthodox Christians we visit, and learn from them in terms of their own experiences all they have to share with us. The Society has visited all the major cities and states of Australia. In the last few years, the Society has expanded its missionary effort beyond our shores and into the very populous country of Indonesia with its burgeoning Orthodox Christian community. Our two visits centred around Medan and the church tended to by Fr Chrysostomos Manalu. Our visits there left us with a sense of gratefulness to God for all his gifts that have enabled the expansion of Orthodoxy in Indonesia. We received many blessings from our visits there, and were able to impart some of our own experiences. Our visits also provided medical and dental assistance critically needed in Indonesia.

16 16 Saturday Meetings T Greek Orthodox Christian Society he Orthodox Christian Society meets on most Saturday nights during the year. The members and visitors who attend generally divide into three groups based on age. In the groups we have the opportunity to undertake Bible study, consider the life of a Saint, the writings of the Fathers or issues that relate to our Spiritual life in today s world. The youngest group is comprised of those who are from about 18 to 28, whilst the second group is for those aged from about 28 to their late forties. The senior group is comprised of those aged about 50 and up. The talks and discussions in this group are primarily conducted in Greek, whereas in the other groups English is the primary language. Many of those in attendance are involved in the work of Sunday Schools, and we find that meeting on Saturday nights helps both preparing for Sunday School the next day, but more importantly for participation in the Divine Liturgy. Our meetings are open to all and provide for those who have a thirst for spiritual knowledge and friendship. Meetings are held at 8.00pm at 217 Bexley Road, Kingsgrove. T Greek Orthodox Women s Groups he four Greek Orthodox Women s groups meet on Saturday afternoons at 4.00 pm: three of the groups meet at Kingsgrove (217 Bexley Rd, Kingsgrove) and one at the Church of St John, Parramatta. Over 160 women of all ages look forward to these meetings where they are able to focus on their spiritual development in fellowship with like-minded Christians. The meetings provide a forum to study the Bible, the lives of Saints and spiritual matters based on the teachings of the Fathers of the Church. The youngest group is comprised of women from the age of 18 through to late 20's. The second group of ladies are for those aged over 30. Discussions for these groups are in English and members of these groups are very active with teaching Sunday School and supporting other activities such as Orthodox publications and Orthodox radio programs to help spread the word of God. The two older-aged groups (one in Parramatta) are Greek speaking. If you are interested in learning more about what it means to live your Orthodox Christian Faith, then your are more then welcome to attend one of these groups. «ΛΥΧΝΟΣ» is a bimonthly publication of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. Phone: (02)